Wheel Weights

[Jack McClow CLC #15840]

I have heard there are special wheel weights designed for certain applications such as for use on the Fleetwoods of the mid-70's; apparently the wheel covers used on these cars (and on many other Cadillacs I would suspect) will not fit properly to the wheel if the standard weights are used.  If this is true, does anyone know of a source for these special weights?

Thanks,

Jack.

[Otto Skorzeny]

I've never heard of special weights.

Tell the guy balancing your tires to put the weights on the inside of the rim instead of the outside. It looks better and there is no possibility of interference with the wheel covers.

There are also wheel weights which have an adhesive strip on the back instead of a fold over clip. Maybe those are what you're thinking of.

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

Jack,
You are correct.  There are weights specifically designed for that application.  Trying to balance wheels with weights only on the backside results in  poor balance.
The weights with extended tabs on them are available, and I purchased a "lifetime" supply from USA parts.  When I need to get wheels balanced I take my weights and they use the ones they need, returning the ones (if any) they take off.
The weights come in 1/8th through several ounces and they are not expensive, considering they are the only way a successful dynamic balance can be achieved.
Greg

[TJ Hopland]

They did exist.   Some of the more 'mature' tire guys say they remember them but have not had any need for them in so long dont know if they can even be ordered. Looks like Greg found a source.  I have had pretty good luck having them use standard ones on the inside.   My 75 eldo has gaps in the little fingers in the cover so as long as there is a single or small cluster of weights they still fit.  On my 73 (with 67 covers) I have a combination of inner and a couple of those stick on ones that were mentioned in the other post.   I guess the stick on ones are for those fancy aluminum wheels the kids are running now days so most shops have them.

[35-709]

Well ---- 2 other replies came while I was typing this, but here goes ....

It is true Jack.  All Cadillacs (not sure about FWD Eldorados), not just the Fleetwoods, used them for a period of time back then, possibly some other GM makes also.  They are hard to find these days but can sometimes be found on Ebay.  Rarely will you find them at tire shops since they haven't been used in such a long time, possibly some of the bigger shops will have them or can source them.  The designation for these weights is CAX.  At one time a couple of years ago you could get them from this source ----  http://www.alltiresupply.com Try contacting them.  You might also try Googling CAX wheel weights. 
The mounting tab on CAX weights is longer to move the weight itself slightly further toward the center of the wheel leaving room for the hubcap "teeth" to grip the edge of the rim rather than hit the weight itself.
T.J.H. has posted a good picture of one. 
Geoff N.     

[TJ Hopland]

The wheel in my photo is a 67-78 eldo.  As you can see there is no other place for the cap to grip because of the way the offset is in the wheel.  I wonder if maybe the eldo was the reason some of the other caps were that way?  Perhaps they had to re design the clamping portion of the caps for the eldos and thought they would use it on all the models?   Most other caps I have seen grip on the inner part of the wheel so I imagine thats why most of the weights are made to grip on that outer edge. 

[76eldo]

You are correct.  There are weights like that on my 60 Eldo too.

Brian

[TJ Hopland]

So it was not new for 67.   Must have just been a 'different' way to do it.  I wonder if it was in theory better than the other style?

[76eldo]

I don't think it's better or worse, just leaves room for the hubcap to fit correctly.

Brian

[Doug 22747]

Hey Jack - do you still have that 75 Talisman?  Anyway, I was also successful finding the weights a couple of years ago at: http://www.alltiresupply.com/c-Wheel_Weights.html for my car after not being completely happy with weights only on the back of the wheels (and I tried the glue on type on the front, but they didn't stay glued very long).  Before these I recall concaved weights for the sombrero covers.  If you didn't use them the wheel cover didn't seat correctly and could make noises like an old boat!  Best - Doug

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

I also used the "Stick-on" weights on my '60 CDV, but before I stuck them on, just inside the outer face of the rim, so that there was no interference with the caps, I cleaned the painted surface with "Prepsol" and never had one come loose.

Bruce.

[Jack McClow CLC #15840]

Thanks so much to everybody who replied to my post ....... I really, really apprecaite all the suggestions and leads ..... I'll get to work tomorrow to see what I can find ......... and, thanks to all of you, now I know what I am looking for.

And Doug, yes, I still have my Talisman ........ life wouldn't be the same without having it in my garage.  And I still send a picture of it, always in front of a different location, to the widow of the original owner ........ she made me make that promise to her when she sold the car to me a few years after her husband passed away.

Thanks again, so much ........ I'll let you all know if I can find a source for these special weights if they are still in production.

Jack.

[Walter Youshock]

I remember those being called Cadillac weights.  Their design did have something to do with the wheelcovers.

[Lars Kneller 8246]

Jack, email me- I may be able to help you out.

Lars

[Jack McClow CLC #15840]

Jack, email me- I may be able to help you out.

Lars

Hi Lars,

Thanks ............ I'll be in touch,

Jack.